Phillips, Reds Brawl Their Way Out Of First Place

Cardinals centerfielder Colby Rasmus said it best after the three-game sweep of the Reds: "They might have woken up a sleeping giant".

Uh, you think?

I've been waiting on the Cardinals to wake up all season. The key here is they've always stayed within arm's reach of the Reds in the standing, and now they're in sole possession of first place.

I don't see the Cardinals turning back from here. Their next five series are against the Cubs, Brewers, Giants, Pirates, and Nationals. Not exactly would I would call a scary part of the schedule.

Brandon Phillips started yesterday's bench clearing brawl by talking trash like it was the WWE. Then he walked out like he was a future Hall of Famer and tapped Yadier Molina's feet while stepping into the batter's box to open the game.

This eventually led to the ejections of both Dusty Baker and Tony La Russa, which won't be going out for a beer anytime soon.

After that spanking that the Cardinals just handed to his team, Phillips has to be feeling a little foolish.

It's the middle of August and this is when teams either take the shape of a playoff team or fade away into a team struggling for a wild card spot.

All is not lost here for the Reds obviously. I wouldn't mind seeing these two teams meet later on in the playoffs. That would be good television.

NL Central Race

1. Cardinals 64-49
2. Reds 64-51 (1 GB)

NL Wild Card Race

1. Giants 64-50
2. Phillies 63-50 (1/2 GB)
3. Reds 64-51 ( 1/2 GB)